It takes more to choose the school menu than you might think. According to Milton Food Service Director Ms. Ashley Reese, there are many considerations when selecting the menus. For example, does it meet nutrional guidelines? How much labor is involved in preparation? What is the cost?
Currently Milton students have free breakfast and lunch, which was implemented during Covid-19, according to Ms. Reese. Despite the federally sponsored free meals expiring in 2022, students still are able to get free lunch due to the Pennsylvania Legislature passing the Universal Free Lunch bill, which is still in effect today, she added. This means students must use their own money only to buy snacks and drinks not included in the regular lunch.
According to Ms. Reese, to pick school lunches, she must follow regulations set by the USDA nutrition standards that are set forth as part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Act of 2010. Portion sizes are also determined by the USDA meal patterns. These specify minimum serving sizes for various food groups based on age and calorie needs, said Ms. Reese. She added that there is a four-year cycle for free meals, and we are in our third year of participation and if it continues to be beneficial it can be renewed.
According to the USDA.gov, the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) sets the following daily calorie limits for lunch, a minimum of 750 calories per meal and a maximum of 850 calories per meal for high school students. Things such as added sugars and salt are limited as well to reduce the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.
According to the USDA, nutrional value is very important, and what we eat plays a pivotal role in the growing and learning process so by ensuring that all children, regardless of income, have access to healthy meals. According to the USDA’s National School Lunch Program, healthy meals play a major role in nurturing a healthier and more productive generation.
According to Ms. Reese, student feedback is always appreciated because one of the biggest challenges is finding things the students desire, that also meet the nutrional standards. “We always love student feedback and will try our best to make it work,” she added.
Ms. Reese said her favorite lunch at Milton is the grilled cheese and brussel sprouts, adding that she’s not sure why exactly. “I just love the garlic toast that it comes on, and brussels sprouts are one of my favorite vegetables (when crispy!). I also like that it is something most students are eating at home as well,” she explained.
